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Difference between Active and Passive Speakers
There are two types loudspeakers namely, active speakers and passive speakers, used in music systems to produce sound output. The fundamental difference between active speakers and passive speakers is that active speakers consist of a built-in amplifier to produce amplified sound output, whereas passive speakers do not have built-in amplifier, instead they need an external amplifier to power the speakers.
In this article, we will discuss all the important differences between active speakers and passive speakers. But before that let’s have a look into the basics of active and passive speakers individually.
What is an Active Speaker?
A type of loudspeaker that consists of a built-in amplifier for powering the speakers is called an active speaker. Therefore, in the case of active speaker, we do not need to connected an amplifier separately.
Therefore, active speakers are widely used in a variety of applications like in home theatres, conference halls, and many other small to medium sized rooms.
The use of built-in amplifier inside the speaker cabinet makes them simple and easy to use, as this eliminate the need of addition amplifier, connecting cables, power supplies, etc. One important advantage of the active speaker is their portability, i.e. they can be conveniently carried from one place to another.
In addition, active speakers can produce a sound of better quality than passive speakers, this is because they are equipped with a dedicated amplifier which is especially designed for the speaker to produce highly optimized sound.
What is a Passive Speaker?
A type of loudspeaker that does not consist of a built-in amplifier to power the speakers is called a passive speaker. Therefore, an external amplifier is required to power the speakers, which adds addition cost and setup complexity.
Passive speakers are primarily used in application where high power output is needed like in theatre halls, stadiums, concert halls, etc. Passive speakers offer higher flexibility, as we can use an amplifier as per our needs. However, they have a complex setup than active speakers due to need of addition equipment like external amplifier, connecting cables, power supply, etc. Thus, passive speakers are mostly used by professional DJs and audiophiles.
After getting insights into the basics of active speaker and passive speaker individually, let us now discuss their important differences.
Difference between Active and Passive Speakers
The following table gives all the important differences between active speakers and passive speakers −
Parameter |
Active Speaker |
Passive Speaker |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
A type of loudspeaker that consists of a built-in amplifier to power the speaker is called an active speaker. |
A type of loudspeaker that does not consist of a built-in amplifier to power the speakers is called a passive amplifier. |
Amplifier |
Active speakers use built-in amplifiers. |
Passive speakers use external amplifiers. |
Power consumption |
Active speakers require less power to work, as their amplifier is optimized according to needs of speakers. |
Passive speakers consume more power, as they require separate power supply for external amplifier and speakers. |
Upgradability |
Active speakers are not upgradable as per needs. This is because they have a dedicated amplifier to meet the speaker’s requirement. |
Passive speakers are easy to upgrade depending on requirements. We can upgrade the amplifier and speakers separately. |
Size |
Active speakers are comparatively smaller in size. |
Passive speakers are larger in size, as they require a separate amplifier. |
Weight |
Active speakers are often light in weight. |
Passive speakers are comparatively bulky. |
Ease of use |
Active speakers are easy to use, they have a preassembled setup. |
Passive speakers are comparatively difficult to use, as they need to setup properly before using them. |
Flexibility |
Active speakers are not flexible, as they have a built-in amplifier. |
Passive speakers are more flexible, as we can select an amplifier as per needs. |
Portability |
Active speakers are easy to carry due to their smaller size and compact setup. |
Passive speakers are not much portable as active speakers, as we need to carry additional equipment. |
Suitability |
Active speakers are better suited for small to medium sized spaces like home theatre, conference halls, etc. |
Passive speakers are better suited for large spaces like stadiums, public theatres, concert halls, etc. |
Separate mixer |
Active speakers do not require a separate mixer machine to direct the audio signals of different frequency to the appropriate speaker driver. |
Passive speakers require a separate mixer machine. |
Technical knowledge required |
Active speakers do not require any technical knowledge to properly match the amplifier and speakers. |
Passive speakers require some technical knowledge for correctly matching the amplifier and speaker. |
Need of separate cables |
Active speakers do not need separate cable for connecting amplifier and speaker. |
Passive speakers need separate cable for connecting amplifier and speaker. |
Setup complexity |
Active speakers have simpler setup. |
Passive speakers have a complex setup. |
Sound quality |
Active speakers produce better quality sound due to use of optimized amplifier. |
Passible speakers produce comparatively low-quality sound than active speakers. |
Conclusion
Both active and passive speakers are used depending on the needs. The most significant difference between active and passive speakers is that an active amplifier has a built-in amplifier, while a passive amplifier requires an external amplifier.
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